Getting a window seat, preferably one which has a wing-free view, is something of a perk when flying. At least to me, it is. And that is how, once, I was treated to the most beautiful view of Paris over sunset (November 2010, Dubai-Paris), including an Eiffel Tower that was sparkling and shimmering away.

I love looking out at take-off and landing. In between, when we’re cruising at a reasonable altitude without cloud cover, everything seems like a miniature toy below. I love watching sunrise and sunset in the horizon, because it’s never like anything that you’ve seen while on the ground. I love imagining just how fluffy some of the clouds can be, especially when they stretch out endlessly. I especially love it when the pilots are nice and decide to play tour guides from time to time and point out where we are flying over at that moment.

With my trusty point-and-shoot and its superzoom, I recently managed to grab a few aerial photos while travelling between France and Greece. The islands, the Alps, even Ile-de-France itself. Methinks they are not too shabby. ;)

I’m still scratching my head over the picture of the château above – third photo from the end, the one with part of the Easyjet plane visible – though, so if anyone has any clue, I’d like very much to know which one it is. We were flying in to Orly and I was seated in row A. I’ve ruled out Versailles for various reasons. The photos with River Seine were taken after the one with the grounds of the château, so I’m guessing somewhere south-east of Paris? Anyone, help?

It’s the “Hippodrome de Grosbois” with “Château de Grosbois”. It’s a place with international reputation where horses are trained. There’s also a highly regarded vet clinic within it.
(Sorry, French English)